County Council questions asked for the candidate’s stance on and how they would address: transient vacation rental legislation, infrastructure development and maintenance, home based business legislation, streamlining our permitting process, resolving the issue of water availability, creating new affordable housing and rentals, support for the visitor industry, urban growth boundaries, a fair and equitable system to cover a shortfall in real property tax revenues, utilization of county property by commercial operators, and expeditiously moving forward with a West Maui hospital.

Questions to State House of Representatives and Senate candidates asked their positions on and how they would address: legislation to positively impact businesses, legislation that negatively impacts businesses, funding for the visitor industry, added support for agriculture, maintenance and expansion of Maui's infrastructure, Maui’s transportation issues, the recommendations of the Maui Health Care Initiative Task Force, workers compensation and tort reform, moving us out of being one of the worst states in the nation to do business in, commercial use of state resources, and a Constitutional Convention.

At least one candidate for each of 15 races, out of 17 total County and State races, participated in our endorsement process, with 29 out of 39 total candidates participating.

State Races
We interviewed at least one candidate in 7 of the 8 state races, as Representative Mele Carroll is running unopposed and did not respond in time and could not be considered. For Senate District 5 and House Districts 11 and 12, we interviewed all three candidates for each race. Candidate Tasha Kama, for House District 8, running against Joe Souki, noted she was busy with other endorsements, did not respond, and was not considered for endorsement. Incumbent Bob Nakasone of House District 9 did not respond in time and was not considered for endorsement and candidate Ramon Madden, for House District 10, running against Angus McKelvey, did not respond and was not considered for endorsement.

Council Races
We interviewed at least two candidates in 8 of the 9 County Council seat races, and interviewed for 8 of the 9 races as Council Member Danny Mateo is running unopposed, did not respond, and was not considered for endorsement. Council Member Mike Victorino is running unopposed and participated in our endorsement process. Council Member JoAnne Johnson does not seek any endorsements and was not considered for endorsement. The other two candidates for the West Maui seat did participate and were considered. South Maui candidate Wayne Nishiki submitted a written response, but did not schedule an interview. Therefore, he was not considered for endorsement. There we five candidates for the Lanai seat. 2 Lanai candidates did participate, however, 2 candidates, Sol Kaho'ohalahal and Matthew Mano, did not respond and were not considered for endorsement and Winnifred Basques did not provide a written response and could not be considered.

Click here for the full set of questions.
Candidates were scored by each COMPAC member based on their written and oral responses to the questions they received and replied to, with each question specifically scored on a point scale. The point totals from all COMPAC member scorecards for each candidate were totaled to reach an overall candidate total. This number was then divided by the number of COMPAC members to obtain an average score for each candidate. A minimum score of 60% of the total points available (as set by the COMPAC) was required for a candidate to be endorsed. The candidate who met the required minimum score and whose responses were most congruent with the Chamber’s values and positions in each race became the candidate the Chamber endorsed.
While we endorsed democrats and republicans, party affiliation is not scored. Scores are based on the candidate’s written response; interview; prior, proactive business legislative stance; alignment with the Chamber’s outlook on issues; business background and experience; community involvement; and our perception of their ability to accomplish stated goals and objectives.

Stepping up to run for office is not an easy task and we want to thank all candidates for running and presenting choices. We especially thank those who took part in our process and candidly shared their opinions so that we could make an informed choice.

After vetting candidates on important business issues, the COMPAC Committee and Chamber have chosen to endorse the following highly motivated individuals, with strong plans, who will stand up for businesses.

We believe these are the best candidates to move a business agenda forward.
Please join us in electing this team to strengthen the business sector, the economy and our community.